Focalin (desmethylphenidate) is a medication used to manage symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). According to Drugs.com, symptoms of ADHD include inattentiveness, impulsiveness and hyperactivity. Focalin belongs to a class of medications called central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) stimulants. Typically, you will initially take 2.5mg of Focalin twice daily, and its maximum dosage is 20mg daily, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Common Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, Focalin typically causes a poor appetite, stomach problems, a sore throat or a dry mouth. It can affect your mental state and cause anxiousness, restlessness and shakiness. Focalin can cause a headache, stomach problems and even insomnia. MedlinePlus indicates that Focalin can also cause heartburn, nausea and vomiting.These symptoms are not harmful and should subside within two to four days. Call your doctor when these symptoms remain for at least four or more days. He will adjust your Focalin dosage to decrease the prevalence of these effects.
Serious Side Effects
Focalin can cause various serious side effects. It may cause such life-threatening side effects as chest pain, tachycardia (fast heart beat), arrythmias (irregular heartbeat), palpitations (pounding heartbeat), trouble breathing and convulsions. Heart rhythm abnormalities prevent your heart from pumping blood effectively to the rest of your body. Convulsions are due to high electrical activity in your brain. When these convulsions are prolonged, brain damage can result. The National Library of Medicine says that Focalin can also lead to stroke, a heart attack and even sudden death. Focalin can cause such psychiatric effects as hallucinations, aggression, changes in mood and paranoia. It can cause such crippling side effects as joint pain, extreme fatigue, difficulty speaking, leg or arm weakness, a rash, itching, blisters, a fever and involuntary movements called motor tics. Inform your physician when Focalin causes any of these side effects.
Additional Concerns
The National Library of Medicine says that you should avoid taking Focalin if you have a history of alcohol or drug abuse, as this medication can lead to mental and physical dependence.
Avoid Focalin if you have a history of anxiety, glaucoma (eye pressure problem), motor tics, agitation or tension, as Focalin may exacerbate these symptoms.
You should not take Focalin if you are allergic to dexmethylphenidate. You may develop hives, facial or throat swelling and trouble breathing. Call 911, as this is a medical emergency.
The National Library of Medicine says that you should not take Focalin with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), as this can lead to a hypertensive crisis (severely high blood pressure).
Drugs.com says that Focalin may stunt your child's growth. Inform your doctor if your child is not growing or gaining weight.
You must tell your doctor if you are taking antacids, blood pressure medications, seizure medications or antidepressants, as these can mix with Focalin and cause the aforementioned effects.
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